A panoramic view of rugged granite peaks and dense pine forests at sunrise, with mist and clouds scattered across the landscape under a colorful sky.

Explore the Black Hills

The Black Hills of South Dakota offer some of America's most iconic landscapes and attractions. From majestic mountain carvings to underground wonders, historic parks to charming small-town experiences, your stay at Rock Crest Lodge puts you in the perfect location to explore it all.

Custer State Park

Covering 73,000 acres, Custer State Park is one of the nation's largest state parks and is just minutes from Rock Crest Lodge. The park features:

  • Wildlife Loop Road: A 19-mile scenic drive where you can spot one of America's largest publicly owned buffalo herds, along with elk, deer, coyotes, and prairie dogs
  • Needles Highway (SD-87): A spectacular 14-mile drive featuring narrow tunnels, hairpin curves, and granite spires
  • Iron Mountain Road (US-16A): A 17-mile route with pigtail bridges and tunnels that frame Mount Rushmore
  • Lakes & Beaches: Sylvan Lake, Center Lake, and Legion Lake offer swimming, fishing, and boating
  • Hiking Trails: 12 marked trails ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs, including the trail to South Dakota's highest point, Harney Peak
A white SUV drives along a paved road through a forest as dozens of bison graze nearby. Another vehicle is visible in the distance, also surrounded by bison on both sides of the road.

Iconic Monuments & Memorials

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Just a short drive from Rock Crest Lodge, Mount Rushmore stands as a powerful symbol of America. The 60-foot high presidential faces carved by sculptor Gutzon Borglum represent Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln - chosen to symbolize our nation's birth, growth, development, and preservation. The monument features a Grand View Terrace, Presidential Trail, and evening lighting ceremony that shouldn't be missed.

Crazy Horse Memorial

Located just 17 miles from Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial is the world's largest mountain carving in progress. This colossal sculpture, when completed, will stand 563 feet high and 641 feet long. Begun in 1948 by sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski at the invitation of Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear, work continues today by the sculptor's family. The visitor center includes a Native American museum, cultural center, and restaurant.

Badlands National Park

Located about an hour east of Custer, the Badlands showcase 244,000 acres of otherworldly landscape carved by 37 million years of erosion. Colorful buttes, spires, and canyons create a dramatic panorama that houses fossil beds of ancient mammals. Six marked hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and ranger-led programs make this a fascinating day trip.

Eroded rock formations and rugged cliffs in warm sunlight at Badlands National Park, with a vast, layered landscape extending to the horizon under a partly cloudy sky.

Underground Marvels

View from inside a rocky cave looking out onto a sunny, green landscape with trees and blue sky. A wooden bench sits at the cave entrance on a stone path.

Jewel Cave National Monument

The fourth-longest cave system in the world with more than 100 explored miles, featuring glittering calcite crystals that give the cave its name.

Wind Cave National Park

One of America's oldest national parks (established 1903), featuring 73 miles of passages with rare boxwork, frostwork, and popcorn formations. The park also protects 28,000 acres of mixed-grass prairie and ponderosa pine forest above ground.

Local Activities in Custer

When you're not exploring the region's magnificent attractions, there's plenty to do right in Custer:

  • Outdoor Recreation: Enjoy swimming at the Custer Municipal Pool (just 3 blocks from Rock Crest Lodge), golfing at Rocky Knolls 9-hole course, tennis, horseshoe and volleyball courts within walking distance.
  • George S. Mickelson Trail: This 110-mile converted railway trail is ideal for hiking and biking, with Custer serving as a primary trailhead. The packed gravel surface and gentle grade make it perfect for all ages and abilities. Bike rentals and guided tours available at Trailside Bikes (just two blocks from Rock Crest Lodge).
  • Shopping & Dining: Downtown Custer features over 40 shops and restaurants offering everything from souvenirs and western apparel to Native American crafts and outdoor gear. The area boasts unique dining options from classic American fare to German specialties.
  • Rock Climbing: The Needles area in Custer State Park offers world-class climbing opportunities. Guided experiences are available through local outfitters.

At Rock Crest Lodge, you're perfectly positioned to experience everything the Black Hills has to offer. Our staff is happy to provide recommendations, directions, and insider tips to help make your Black Hills adventure unforgettable!

View of Mount Rushmore framed by the dark interior of a tunnel, with blue sky and green trees visible outside, highlighting the monument’s carved presidential faces in the distance.
A stone lookout tower stands atop a rocky mountain peak under a partly cloudy sky, with distant forests and hills visible in the background.
Colorful kayaks and canoes are lined up on a wooden dock floating on a calm lake surrounded by pine trees and rocky cliffs under a clear blue sky.
A row of colorful storefronts, including a souvenir shop with a blue mascot sign, a pizza and pub restaurant, and a Dairy Queen, set against a backdrop of tall pine trees.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial features the carved faces of four U.S. presidents on a granite mountain, seen above a stone entryway lined with flags and surrounded by trees under a partly cloudy sky.
A vintage steam locomotive pulls maroon passenger cars along curved tracks through a lush, green forested area on a bright day. Steam rises from the engine as the train passes a platform.